"You know that I also took a strong stand against corruption. Four years and a bit further down the track, I know that I did the right thing," Mr Rees said today.

"The actions that I took in November 2009 as leader of the party have ultimately led to the ongoing and necessary reforms currently underway.

"New South Wales Labor must never again allow the circumstances to develop in which a small cabal of self-interested individuals can control the fate of a great party."

Mr Rees's political future was already in doubt after the NSW Electoral Commission's decision to abolish the seat of Toongabbie at the next state election.

But the MP says Labor is in good hands for next year's poll under Opposition Leader John Robertson.

"The Labor Party in New South Wales is in infinitely better shape today than it was in the dark days of the last term," Mr Rees said.

"Our mission, to purse equality, fairness and decency is undiminished, and John Robertson and his team are people of principle and people of purpose."

The former premier paid tribute to those he had worked with, particularly former education minister Carmel Tebbutt, who announced in November last year that she would not run for re-election.

"I will leave Parliament satisfied that I've done my best as local member, as minister and as premier," Mr Rees said.

He listed achievements including maintaining the state's triple-A credit rating during the global financial crisis, opening the Epping to Chatswood rail line and overhauling freedom of information legislation.